Avoid: 2014, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2019
17 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 17 model years, the Cadillac CTS has 2,588 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 63 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2009 drew the most complaints (334), 2010 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Cadillac CTS vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $11,549–$18,393.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 48 |
| 2016 | 61 |
| 2015 | 94 |
| 2014 | 284 |
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2012 | 67 |
| 2011 | 108 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2009 | 334 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2007 | 218 |
| 2006 | 272 |
| 2005 | 284 |
| 2004 | 229 |
| 2003 | 321 |
Highest: 2009 (334 complaints). Lowest: 2010 (1).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and specific powertrain.
Includes shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement, and complete failure. Affects the 8-speed automatic (8L45/8L90) in later models and older automatics in earlier models. Very frequent.
Screen delamination, unresponsive touchscreen, phantom touches, and complete failure requiring costly replacement. Very frequent.
Battery drain problems, faulty sensors, malfunctioning modules (TCM, ECM communication loss), anti-theft system malfunctions, and accessory failures (heated/cooled seats, steering wheel buttons). Very frequent.
Oil consumption/burning, timing chain problems (early 3.6L engines), misfires, rough idle, and coolant temperature sensor failures. Recurrent.
Rear air suspension failure (sagging), leaking differential seals, failing wheel bearings, and driveshaft support bearing failure. Recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CTS. Individual model years are broken down above.
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